Development or displacement: Experiences of coastal residents of Iloilo City affected by the Iloilo Beach Forest

Abstract

Urban green spaces support sustainable urban development but can lead to displacement known as green gentrification. Iloilo City's development of the Iloilo Beach Forest in Barangay Boulevard, Molo exemplifies these urban greening efforts. This study examines the impact of the Iloilo Beach Forest on the coastal residents of the city, focusing on their experiences, sentiments, and understanding of the environment and sustainable development. It aims to (1) understand the affected residents' experiences and sentiments, (2) identify changes, and (3) explore their understanding of the environment and sustainable development in relation to the Iloilo Beach Forest. To gather data, key informant interviews were conducted, and relevant documents and plans obtained from two city government offices were reviewed. Thematic analysis and triangulation methods were employed for data analysis. The study adopts the three-dimensional framework of Sax et al. (2022), which examines the relationship between green gentrification and urban greening, encompassing conceptual foundations, design and implementation, and socio-spatial changes. The findings indicate that the affected residents' experiences and sentiments were shaped by the lack of social preparation activities and absence of post-demolition assistance from the local government. Furthermore, they expressed that they anticipate further changes in their livelihoods and their barangay’s reputation upon project completion. The participants displayed environmental stewardship, but their understanding of the environment and sustainable development in relation to the Iloilo Beach Forest remained unclear. The study underscores the significance of incorporating participatory approaches in the development and implementation of green urban projects. It highlights the need for active engagement of affected communities to ensure their involvement, address their concerns, and promote sustainable development in the context of urban greening initiatives.